Alabama readers know that losing their ability to work can be a direct threat to their financial well-being. People who cannot work due to a disabling medical condition, mental disorder or serious injury could be eligible for disability benefits, but it is not always easy to get these benefits. This may be especially true for people who have unseen conditions, such as fibromyalgia.
If you have fibromyalgia, you know how frustrating it can be to suffer from an unseen yet serious medical condition. You may look healthy, but in reality, you have an illness that precludes you from holding gainful employment. If you believe that your case of fibromyalgia is severe enough to keep you from working, you may have a valid claim to benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA).
How does your disease impact your life?
While some people are able to live normal lives while dealing with the pain of this disease, you might not be able to do the same. Fibromyalgia is a disorder that causes unexplained musculoskeletal pain and discomfort. While science still does not know a lot about this disease, research indicates that it may be related to the way a person’s brain processes pain signals from the nerves.
Every case is different in the specific way it affects a person. In general, though, fibromyalgia can affect your ability to hold a steady job by causing:
- Extreme fatigue, even after getting adequate sleep and taking care to rest
- Widespread pain throughout the body, such as an aching sensation that affects the upper and lower body, as well as both sides of the body
- Difficulty with cognition, such as having a continual brain fog that causes difficulty with focusing or thinking clearly
If you have this illness, you may feel overwhelmed by your physical limitations and your financial situation due to your inability to work. However, you may find it beneficial to explore the legal options available to you through the SSA’s disability programs like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
The help you need for the benefits you deserve
It can be quite complicated to secure disability benefits, even with a valid medical condition. Many people seeking this type of support find it beneficial to reach out for help as they complete the application and navigate the SSDI or SSI process.